Connaughton in regal form as Kilconieron edge home

Mullagh 1-14

By DARREN KELLYAT DUGGAN PARK

ONE final push in the dying moments of last Sunday’s senior hurling championship contest saw Kilconieron outscore Mullagh and keep their qualification hopes alive.

Due to Turloughmore’s victory over Cappataggle the previous day, John McGlynn’s charges needed something to stay involved entering the final round and Sean Connaughton delivered with three late points.

For Mullagh it was heartbreaking as Conor Dolphin, who contributed 1-11, missed a late shot to equalise. Their involvement is still secure and a victory over Cappataggle in two weeks will ensure them a top three position in Group 1.

But what will be of bigger concern for manager Tony Ward will the availability of the Glennon brothers. Ronan departed with an injury at half-time but a challenge on Davy with five minutes remaining saw him leave holding his shoulder.

Both sides suffered first day defeats so this had a winner-takes-all feel and it didn’t lack competitiveness even if the teams shared 12 wides in the opening 30 minutes.

Mullagh had the stiff wind blowing into the town goal in Ballinasloe but it was Kilconieron who started strongly.  Connaughton got off the mark on two minutes thanks to a Keith Burke ball down the left.

A Connaughton free doubled that advantage 60 seconds later and another put three between them on seven minutes. And they should have done better with a goal opportunity just beforehand when Brian Hickey found Burke but he managed to slice his shot wide.

Mullagh were looking for a reaction following their 24-point thumping from Turloughmore and finally got off the mark through Dolphin’s free on 10 minutes. The corner forward would be his team’s top performer and added another two minutes later.

Sean Callanan quickly put his name on the scoreboard to level at 0-3 piece before Dolphin gave the east Galway side the lead.

Pictured: Kilconieron's Alex Evans tussling for possession with Conor Dolphin of Mullagh during Sunday's Senior A Championship clash at Duggan Park. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.